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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

IndoDefence 2008

Look Ma, I Have A Gun!
Holding the SS2, Indonesia's latest main combat rifle made by Pindad.

IndoDefense 2008 is Indonesia's premiere weapons and defense exhibition, held once every two years by Napindo. I went to the last one in 2006, and may I say that the 2008 event was way better than I expect (seeing that the IndoDefense 2006 didn't please me much).
Held at the Airforce's Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, this year's event had airshows and proper vehicle demostrations. Its 3 times better and bigger than the last event held in Kemayoran. The main theme is also about local defense, vehicle and weapons manufacturers.
I arrived on the 2nd day of the show which was opened to guests and industry professionals. Being located in an airforce base, I had to pass several checkpoints. Some are polite, one is annoying (probably because unlike the others, he works alone and in no shades). I got through and registered.
My entrance to the exhibition grounds was welcomed by an F16B rushing just above me. That is just so cool. Unfortunately it was their final pass, so the next thing I know it was landing. Wished I could've enjoyed it more.

CN235-220 MPA Surveilance & Control
CN235-220MPA (Maritime Patrol Aircraft) made by PTDI

The CN235-220 MPA caught my eye as I walked into the runway. Its PTDI's latest variant of their CN235 aircraft, this one made for maritime surveilance, the first in Asia. Armed with Thales radar, Buble obeservation windows, FLIR (forward looking infra-red), and a high resolution video and topographic camera. These will be operated by the Navy in 2010, replacing the old CN212.

Next are the NBO150 attack hellicopters and the Huey Bell412, both retrofitted since both toys are made in the 70s. Able to carry heftier payloads and re-armored with twaron, no avionics nor sensing capabilites are upgraded. Just stronger engines, tougher resistance and more guns.

TNI AD's NBO105 Retrofit Bell Huey 412 Retrofit
Rocket's Point of View

On show also outside were two APS6x6 APC tanks, both manufactured by PT.Pindad and electronically enhanced by PT.LEN. Shown were the Army's and UN version. There were also noteable vehicles made by local manufacturers, but the APS6x6 is the show stealer. Even the Renault's star, the mighty Sherpa A3 wasn't getting that much attention.

APS 6x6 Panser APS 6x6 Panser : UN Edition

Other impressive feats were the airforce research lab's UAV and Lapan's rockets. Pindad also brought a full size mockup of their future 6x6 light tank. The exhibition was followed by several Asian and European countries. I'm really hoping to see the next one in 2010.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

The Joy of Teaching

I don't know why I took such a long hiatus from teaching, it feels great and something I really love doing.
Last night was my second week teaching both graduate and post graduates on "International Aspects of Management" at the Sampoerna Strategic Square, and I really enjoyed it. I love the interaction, motivating people who were shy to speak up, sharing my views, knowledge, etc. I have no Idea why I stopped.

The last time I taught in a class was 2 years ago. I had no complaints back then, I just stopped because I had a big project with a permanent client. But after that project finished, I didn't know why I didn't get back on the horse again.

To my friends, colleague, or whoever read this, take a stab at teaching. The satisfaction is more than you could ever expect.

Friday, November 07, 2008

Birth of Arkan Marsono

Me & My Boy

Happy to announce the birth of our baby boy: Kaendra Arkan Dewanta Marsono. Born through normal procedure, weighing at 4.25kg and 51cm tall, born on Friday, November 7th 2008.

First Look of Arkan
The Happy Parents

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Minal Aidzin Wal Faidzin

Maaf karena sudah lama tak posting.
Maaf karena sok sibuk dengan segunung pekerjaan.
Maaf karena tidak sering nengok ke blog teman-teman.
Minal Aidzin Wal Faidzin. Mohon maaf hamba ini yang penuh dengan kekurangan.

All things aside, we had an awesome Eidul Fitri, and we hope you all had one too.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

An update...

Wow, its been a while since I last updated.
I've been really busy lately, and with the new baby coming and all, things have been hectic recently. I'm just poping in to give a shout all that I'm still kicking and I'll hopefully update as soon as I get the chance.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Beachy Weekend

We went to Ancol beach on Saturday Morning.
My little girl wasn't feeling well, her cough hasn't stopped, and my mom said that a good morning sea air should help a lot, and she was right.
Ancol beach itself has grown. Unfortunatelly it still site between Jakarta's poluted harbour to the east and factories to the west. you can still see them in the horizon. But for the moment, enjoy the pictures.

Dermaga Ancol

You Can't Fish Here Fisherman's Wharf Beach Bums Dermaga Ancol

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Mari Menggambar Dan Mewarnai


Did the illustration above using Adobe Illustrator CS.



Started colouring process on Adobe Photoshop:
  1. Basic skin tone
  2. Lip tone plus gloss
  3. Facial mapping, showing height, lighter colour means higher terrain
  4. Using the smudge tool from Photoshop, carefully smooth out the skin
  5. Finished smudging process, needs a lot of patience, did this in an hour
  6. Adding volume to the eyes, chin, and jaw. Added red corners of the eyes
  7. Make small white dots and pull them out with the smudge tool using the smallest brush. Takes time. If you have Alien skin plug-in, you can use the "Fur" option to go faster.
  8. Giving volume to hair, erase parts that are low adjusting to light

And Finito....
What do you think?

Monday, April 14, 2008

Duh, anak gue nyanyi dangdut...



Ini nih akibat terlalu sering ikut kakeknya. Tiap pagi sambil kakeknya nyuci mobil, dia pasti di dalam mobil main sambil mendengarkan musik-musik favorit kakeknya, yang notabene: dangdut bok. Alhasil anak gue apal lagu-lagu dangdut. Ampun DJ....

Sunday, April 06, 2008

Rika's Graduation



Setelah 4 tahun mencari uang untuk mengkuliahkan istri, akhirnya lulus juga dia. Bangga banget bok, capek cari duit langsung ilang seketika, gimana ya rasanya pas ntar anak gue lulus kuliah?

Monday, March 24, 2008

My Wife is Pregnant Again!!!

Am I a baby making machine or what??
Just 1,5 months after Rika and I decided to have a new baby, and boom, we got it. I'm like ecstatic with joy and happiness. I'm going to be a dad, again. Yay...

Please pray for us and wish that the baby will be healthy and grows, because the first 3 months of pregnancy is a very decisive moment. :-D

Thursday, February 28, 2008

My Parent's 39th Anniversary

A year shy of their 40th, my parents celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary last Sunday at our Villa in Puncak. Everyone was there, my brothers and sisters with their in-laws and mine, and not forgeting the grandkids, all 6 of them.

Happy Anniversary Mami & Papi
Horsey Ride
Rika and I bought them chocolate mocca cheese cake (wow) from help celebrate. After the photo sessions, so on and so forth, the whole family spent some time hiking to anearby village and a river not too far from the Villa. Vira, Rika, Natasha and Nina even took a horse ride.

The Villa has a big garden with a few swings and slides, so the kids aren't bored, plus I got them some soaps and loops for them to blow bubbles on.

But while almost all the family was outside, we had an unwanted visitor sneaking in the Villa. Somehow he sneaked in and stole my dad's Nokia Communicator phone. It kinda put a stop on our smiles for the day.

We didn't let it effect us too much, we had a good rest of the day before we left for home. That thief will have his day one day, a fate worse than just a missing phone.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

My Hero



From a mailing list:

Kuak Konspirasi Bikin Senjata Biologi dari Flu Burung Buku Menkes Fadilah Bikin Gerah AS-WHO
Menteri Kesehatan Siti Fadilah Supari (59) bikin gerah World Health Organization (WHO) dan Pemerintah Amerika Serikat (AS).
Fadilah berhasil menguak konspirasi AS dan badan kesehatan dunia itu dalam mengembangkan senjata biologi dari virus flu burung, Avian influenza (H5N1).
Setelah virus itu menyebar dan menghantui dunia, perusahaan-perusaha an dari negara maju memproduksi vaksin lalu dijual ke pasaran dengan harga mahal di negara berkembang, termasuk Indonesia.
Fadilah menuangkannya dalam bukunya berjudul Saatnya Dunia Berubah! Tangan Tuhan di Balik Virus Flu Burung.
Selain dalam edisi Bahasa Indonesia, Siti juga meluncurkan buku yang sama dalam versi Bahasa Inggris dengan judul It's Time for the World to Change.
Konspirasi tersebut, kata Fadilah, dilakuakn negara adikuasa dengan cara mencari kesempatan dalam kesempitan pada penyebaran virus flu burung.
"Saya mengira mereka mencari keuntungan dari penyebaran flu burung dengan menjual vaksin ke negara kita," ujar Fadilah kepada Persda Network di Jakarta, Kamis (21/2).
Situs berita Australia, The Age, mengutip buku Fadilah dengan mengatakan, Pemerintah AS dan WHO berkonpirasi mengembangkan senjata biologi dari penyebaran virus avian H5N1 atau flu burung dengan memproduksi senjata biologi.
Karena itu pula, bukunya dalam versi bahasa Inggris menuai protes dari petinggi WHO.
"Kegerahan itu saya tidak tanggapi. Kalau mereka gerah, monggo mawon. Betul apa nggak, mari kita buktikan. Kita bukan saja dibikin gerah, tetapi juga kelaparan dan
kemiskinan. Negara-negara maju menidas kita, lewat WTO, lewat Freeport, dan lain-lain. Coba kalau tidak ada kita sudah kaya," ujarnya.
Fadilah mengatakan, edisi perdana bukunya dicetak masing-masing 1.000 eksemplar untuk cetakan bahasa Indonesia maupun bahasa Inggris. Total sebanyak 2.000 buku.
"Saat ini banyak yang meminta jadi dalam waktu dekat saya akan mencetak cetakan kedua dalam jumlah besar. Kalau cetakan pertama dicetak penerbitan kecil, tapi untuk rencana ini, saya sedang mencari bicarakan dengan penerbitan besar," katanya.
Selain mencetak ulang bukunya, perempuan kelahiran Solo, 6 November 1950, mengatakan telah menyiapkan buku jilid kedua.
"Saya sedang menulis jilid kedua. Di dalam buku itu akan saya beberkan semua bagaimana pengalaman saya. Bagaimana saya mengirimkan 58 virus, tetapi saya dikirimkan virus yang sudah berubah dalam bentuk kelontongan. Virus yang saya kirimkan dari Indonesia diubah-ubah Pemerintahan George Bush," ujar menteri
kesehatan pertama Indonesia dari kalangan perempuan ini.
Siti enggan berkomentar tentang permintaan Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yang memintanya menarik buku dari peredaran.
"Bukunya sudah habis. Yang versi bahasa Indonesia, sebagian, sekitar 500 buku saya bagi-bagikan gratis, sebagian lagi dijual ditoko buku. Yang bahasa Inggris dijual," katanya sembari mengatakan, tidak mungkin lagi menarik buku dari peredaran.
Pemerintah AS dikabarkan menjanjikan imbalan peralatan militer berupa senjata berat atau tank jika Pemerintah RI bersedia menarik buku setebal 182 halaman itu.
Mengubah Kebijakan
Apapun komentar pemerintah AS dan WHO, Fadilah sudah membikin sejarah dunia.
Gara-gara protesnya terhadap perlakuan diskriminatif soal flu burung, AS dan WHO sampai-sampai mengubah kebijakan fundamentalnya yang sudah dipakai selama 50 tahun.
Perlawanan Fadilah dimulai sejak korban tewas flu burung mulai terjadi di Indonesia pada 2005.
Majalah The
Economist London menempatkan Fadilah sebagai tokoh pendobrak yang memulai revolusi dalam menyelamatkan dunia dari dampak flu burung.
"Menteri Kesehatan Indonesia itu telah memilih senjata yang terbukti lebih berguna daripada vaksin terbaik dunia saat ini dalam menanggulangi ancaman virus flu burung, yaitu transparansi, " tulis The Economist.
The Economist, seperti ditulis Asro Kamal Rokan di Republika, edisi pekan lalu, mengurai, Fadilah mulai curiga saat Indonesia juga terkena endemik flu burung 2005 silam.
Ia kelabakan. Obat tamiflu harus ada. Namun aneh, obat tersebut justru diborong negara-negara kaya yang tak terkena kasus flu burung.
Di tengah upayanya mencari obat flu burung, dengan alasan penentuan
diagnosis, WHO melalui WHO Collaborating Center (WHO CC) di Hongkong memerintahkannya untuk menyerahkan sampel spesimen.
Mulanya, perintah itu diikuti Fadilah. Namun, ia juga meminta laboratorium
litbangkes melakukan penelitian. Hasilnya
ternyata sama. Tapi, mengapa WHO
CC meminta sampel dikirim ke Hongkong?
Fadilah merasa ada suatu yang aneh. Ia terbayang korban flu burung di Vietnam. Sampel virus orang Vietnam yang telah meninggal itu diambil dan dikirim ke WHO CC untuk dilakukan risk assessment, diagnosis, dan kemudian dibuat bibit virus.
Dari bibit virus inilah dibuat vaksin. Dari sinilah, ia menemukan fakta, pembuat vaksin itu adalah perusahaan-perusaha an besar dari negara maju, negara kaya, yang tak terkena flu burung.
Mereka mengambilnya dari Vietnam, negara korban, kemudian menjualnya ke seluruh dunia tanpa izin. Tanpa kompensasi.
Fadilah marah. Ia merasa kedaulatan, harga diri, hak, dan martabat negara-negara tak mampu telah dipermainkan atas dalih Global Influenza Surveilance Network (GISN) WHO. Badan ini sangat berkuasa dan telah menjalani praktik selama 50 tahun. Mereka telah memerintahkan lebih dari 110 negara untuk mengirim spesimen virus flu ke GISN tanpa bisa menolak.

Virus itu menjadi milik mereka, dan mereka berhak memprosesnya menjadi vaksin.
Di saat keraguan atas WHO, Fadilah kembali menemukan fakta bahwa para ilmuwan tidak dapat mengakses data sequencing DNA H5N1 yang disimpan WHO CC.
Data itu, uniknya, disimpan di Los Alamos National Laboratoty di New Mexico, AS.
Di sini, dari 15 grup peneliti hanya ada empat orang dari WHO, selebihnya tak diketahui.
Los Alamos ternyata berada di bawah Kementerian Energi AS.
Di lab inilah duhulu dirancang bom atom Hiroshima. Lalu untuk apa data itu, untuk vaksin atau senjata kimia?
Fadilah tak membiarkan situasi ini. Ia minta WHO membuka data itu. Data DNA virus H5N1 harus dibuka, tidak boleh hanya dikuasai kelompok tertentu.
Ia berusaha keras. Dan, berhasil. Pada 8 Agustus 2006, WHO mengirim data itu. Ilmuwan dunia yang selama ini gagal mendobrak ketertutupan Los Alamos, memujinya.
Majalah The Economist menyebut peristiwa ini sebagai revolusi bagi transparansi.
Tidak berhenti di situ. Siti Fadilah terus mengejar WHO CC agar mengembalikan 58 virus asal Indonesia, yang konon telah ditempatkan di Bio Health Security, lembaga penelitian senjata biologi Pentagon.
Ini jelas tak mudah. Tapi, ia terus berjuang hingga tercipta pertukaran virus yang adil,
transparan, dan setara.
Ia juga terus melawan dengan cara tidak lagi mau mengirim spesimen virus yang diminta WHO, selama mekanisme itu mengikuti GISN, yang imperialistik dan membahayakan dunia.
Dan, perlawanan itu tidak sia-sia. Meski Fadilah dikecam WHO dan dianggap menghambat penelitian, namun pada akhirnya dalam sidang Pertemuan Kesehatan Sedunia di Jenewa Mei 2007, International Government Meeting (IGM) WHO di akhirnya menyetujui segala tuntutan Fadilah, yaitu sharing virus disetujui dan GISN dihapuskan.

Saturday, February 09, 2008

What the F@$#??!?!?!!

Indian Thriller but in Malay... Weird shit, I think I need therapy after watching this.

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